Laminate flooring is a popular and budget-friendly option for homeowners looking to upgrade their floors. However, due to changing trends and styles, some laminate flooring products are discontinued by manufacturers. This can be frustrating for those who have installed the flooring in their homes and find themselves in need of additional boards or sections for repairs.
But fear not, there are ways to find discontinued laminate flooring and complete your project without compromising on the overall look of your floors. In this guide, we will discuss some tips and tricks on how to find discontinued laminate flooring and ensure a seamless finish for your flooring project.
Understanding Discontinued Laminate Flooring:
When a manufacturer discontinues a product, it means that they have stopped producing or selling it. They may do this due to various reasons such as low demand, outdated style, or production cost issues. This can be a problem for homeowners who have installed the discontinued laminate flooring and need replacements. However, it is important to note that just because a product is discontinued does not mean it is low quality or defective. Many manufacturers discontinue products simply to make room for new ones in their lineup.
10 Best Ways on How to Find Discontinued Laminate Flooring
1. Check with the Manufacturer:
The first and most obvious step to take is to contact the manufacturer directly. They will have the most up-to-date information on their discontinued products and may be able to provide you with the exact boards or sections you need.
You can also inquire about any remaining stock they may have or if they can direct you to a retailer that still carries the product. The manufacturer’s website or customer service hotline will have the necessary information for you.
2. Search Online Retailers:
With the rise of online shopping, many retailers now carry a wide range of products, including discontinued laminate flooring. You can search on popular websites such as Amazon, eBay, and Overstock to see if they have any remaining stock of your desired product.
Some retailers may even specialize in discontinued flooring products, making your search easier. You can also set up alerts on these websites to notify you when the product becomes available.
3. Visit Local Retailers:
If you prefer to see and touch the flooring before purchasing, then visiting local retailers is a good option. You can visit your nearest home improvement store or flooring specialty shop and inquire if they carry any discontinued laminate flooring.
They may have some remaining stock or may be able to order it for you from the manufacturer. If they do not have any in stock, ask them to keep an eye out for any returns or exchanges from customers who may have purchased the product before it was discontinued.
4. Check Online Marketplaces:
Aside from popular websites, there are also online marketplaces specifically for home improvement products. These include Houzz, Build.com, and Wayfair. They have a wide selection of flooring products, including discontinued laminate flooring. Similar to online retailers, you can set up alerts to notify you when the product is back in stock.
5. Join Online Groups:
There are numerous online communities and groups dedicated to home improvement and DIY projects. These groups often have members who share their experiences with discontinued products, including laminate flooring.
You can join these groups and post a request for assistance in finding your desired product. Members may be able to suggest places to look or even have the product themselves that they are willing to sell or give away.
6. Check with Flooring Installers:
Flooring installers may also be a useful resource in finding discontinued laminate flooring. They work closely with manufacturers and retailers and may have access to remaining stock or know where to find it.
You can reach out to local installers and ask if they have any leads on the product you need. This can also be a good option if you need an expert opinion on alternative options or advice on how to work with discontinued flooring.
7. Attend Flooring Expos:
Attending flooring expos or trade shows is another way to find discontinued laminate flooring. Manufacturers and retailers often showcase new products at these events, but they may also have some of their discontinued products available for purchase. You can check online for upcoming flooring expos in your area and plan to attend with a list of the discontinued laminate flooring you are looking for.
8. Check Classified Ads:
Classified ads, whether online or in your local newspaper, may also have listings for discontinued laminate flooring. People often sell their leftover flooring after completing a project or if they no longer need it. You may also find listings for retailers or installers who have excess stock of discontinued products and are looking to sell them at a discounted price.
9. Try Salvage Yards:
Salvage yards can be a treasure trove of discontinued flooring products. These are places where contractors and homeowners bring leftover materials from construction projects, including flooring materials. While there is no guarantee that you will find your specific product, it is worth checking out salvage yards in your area to see if they have any discontinued laminate flooring available.
10. Consider Alternative Options:
If all else fails, you may need to consider alternative options for completing your flooring project. This could include using a different type of flooring that complements your existing laminate or even repurposing the discontinued flooring for a different project. As mentioned earlier, just because a product is discontinued does not mean it is low quality or defective, so you may still be able to use it in some way.
Following these tips and being persistent in your search can help you find discontinued laminate flooring for your home. It may require some effort, but the result will be worth it when your flooring project is complete. Remember, there are always alternative options available if you are unable to find the exact product you need. Happy searching!
Additional Tips and Tricks to Find Discontinued Laminate Flooring
1. If you are looking for discontinued laminate flooring, it’s important to be patient and persistent. Check online retailers and auction sites regularly as new items may become available.
2. Reach out to local flooring stores or contractors in your area. They may have leftover stock or know of other resources to help you find the discontinued laminate flooring you’re looking for.
3. Consider alternative options, such as using a different brand or design of laminate flooring that closely resembles the discontinued version you’re searching for.
4. Don’t be afraid to negotiate with sellers, especially if they have been trying to sell the discontinued flooring for a while. They may be more willing to lower the price to make a sale.
5. Look beyond just traditional retail stores and consider checking out home improvement or salvage stores for discontinued laminate flooring. These types of stores often have unique and hard-to-find items at discounted prices.
6. Join online forums or groups dedicated to home renovation or flooring. Members may have insider knowledge or tips on where to find discontinued laminate flooring.
7. Keep an eye out for sales and promotions, especially during holidays or end-of-season clearances. You may be able to find the discontinued laminate flooring you’re looking for at a discounted price.
8. Be open to purchasing used or lightly used discontinued laminate flooring from individuals or businesses. Just make sure to thoroughly inspect the product before making a purchase.
9. Consider reaching out to the manufacturer directly. They may have leftover stock or be able to put you in touch with a distributor who has the discontinued laminate flooring you’re looking for.
Following these tips and tricks can greatly increase your chances of finding the discontinued laminate flooring you need. Be persistent and don’t give up, as there are many resources available to help you in your search. With some patience and creativity, you may just find the perfect solution for your flooring needs. Happy hunting!
Things You Should Consider to Use Discontinued Laminate Flooring
1. Availability of Spare Boards:
One of the main concerns with using discontinued laminate flooring is the availability of spare boards in case of damage or wear and tear. Since the product has been discontinued, it may become difficult to find matching planks for replacement. This can result in mismatched floors, which can be unsightly. Therefore, it is important to consider the availability of spare boards before using discontinued laminate flooring.
2. Maintenance and Cleaning:
Another aspect to keep in mind when using discontinued laminate flooring is the upkeep and cleaning required. Since this type of flooring is no longer being produced, finding specific maintenance or cleaning products may be challenging.
This can lead to difficulties in properly maintaining the flooring, which can affect its appearance and durability. It is important to research alternative cleaning methods or products that are suitable for discontinued laminate flooring.
3. Warranty Coverage:
Most manufacturers offer a warranty for their laminate flooring products, which covers any defects or issues with the material. However, when using discontinued laminate flooring, it is unlikely that the warranty will still be valid.
This means that any problems or damages may not be covered, and the cost of repairs or replacement will have to be borne by the owner. It is important to consider this factor and weigh the potential risks before using discontinued laminate flooring.
4. Matching with Existing Flooring:
If you are considering using discontinued laminate flooring in a space where there is already existing flooring, it is important to consider how well the two will match.
Discontinued flooring may have a slightly different color or texture due to differences in production batches, which can create a noticeable difference when placed next to existing flooring. It is recommended to carefully compare and select the closest matching option available when using discontinued laminate flooring.
5. Long-Term Availability:
Discontinuation of a product can often indicate that it was not popular or did not meet quality standards. This can lead to concerns about the long-term availability of discontinued laminate flooring. If a particular flooring style or color is no longer being produced, it may become difficult to find spare boards or replacements in the future.
It is important to consider the potential longevity and sustainability of using discontinued laminate flooring in your space.
6. Cost Considerations:
Using discontinued laminate flooring can be a cost-effective option, as the materials may be available at a lower price due to being out of production. However, it is important to also consider any additional costs that may arise, such as the purchase of spare boards or alternative cleaning products.
In some cases, these added costs may make using discontinued laminate flooring less cost-effective in the long run. It is important to weigh all expenses and consider the overall cost before making a decision.
Following these considerations can help you make an informed decision when it comes to using discontinued laminate flooring. While it may offer some advantages, there are also potential drawbacks that should be carefully considered before making a final decision.
It is recommended to thoroughly research and evaluate all factors before proceeding with the use of discontinued laminate flooring. Additionally, seeking advice from professionals or experienced individuals in the industry can provide valuable insights and guidance. Happy flooring!
Common Mistakes to Avoid for Using Discontinued Laminate Flooring
1. Not Enough Material Available:
One of the biggest mistakes people make when using discontinued laminate flooring is not purchasing enough material. When a certain type or design of laminate flooring is discontinued, it means that the manufacturer will no longer produce it. This also means that once the available stock is sold out, there won’t be any more left to purchase.
To avoid this mistake, always make sure to carefully measure the area where you will be installing the flooring and then add an extra 10% to account for any wastage or mistakes. It’s always better to have extra material than not enough.
2. Not Checking the Condition of the Flooring:
When purchasing discontinued laminate flooring, it’s important to check the condition of the flooring before making a purchase. Sometimes, companies discontinue a certain type of flooring due to defects or quality issues. If the flooring is damaged or of poor quality, it will not only affect the overall look of your space but also potentially cause problems in the future.
Be sure to thoroughly inspect the flooring for any defects or damage before purchasing. If possible, ask for a sample piece to see how it looks and feels before committing to a larger purchase.
3. Not Considering Machinability:
Another common mistake when using discontinued laminate flooring is not considering matchability. Since the flooring is no longer being produced, it can be difficult to find additional material if needed in the future. This can create a problem if you need to replace a damaged section or expand the flooring to another room.
To avoid this issue, it’s important to carefully consider how easily the discontinued flooring will match with any future additions or replacements. Choosing a more neutral design or color can help in ensuring that the discontinued flooring remains cohesive with any future changes.
4. Not Consulting with a Professional:
Even if you’re an experienced DIYer, it’s always wise to consult with a professional before using discontinued laminate flooring. They can offer valuable insights and advice on how to properly install and maintain the flooring, as well as help you avoid any common mistakes.
Additionally, a professional can also advise on alternative options if they believe that using discontinued laminate flooring may not be the best choice for your specific project.
5. Not Properly Preparing the Subfloor:
One of the most crucial steps in installing any type of flooring is properly preparing the subfloor. This is especially important when using discontinued laminate flooring as any imperfections or issues with the subfloor can cause problems in the future.
Make sure to thoroughly clean and level the subfloor before installation and address any potential issues beforehand. This will ensure that your discontinued laminate flooring has a solid foundation for long-lasting use.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can successfully use discontinued laminate flooring for your project without any major problems. Just remember to carefully plan and consider all factors before making a purchase, and always consult with a professional for the best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Discontinued Laminate Flooring?
Discontinued laminate flooring refers to the product that has been discontinued by the manufacturer and is no longer being produced. This can happen due to various reasons such as low demand, changes in trends, or the company may have gone out of business. Whatever the reason may be, it can be a challenge to find replacement pieces of discontinued laminate flooring.
Why is It Difficult to Find Discontinued Laminate Flooring?
One of the main reasons why it is difficult to find discontinued laminate flooring is that manufacturers often discontinue specific product lines or colors and replace them with new ones.
This means that they may not have any leftover inventory of the discontinued product, making it challenging for consumers to find it. Additionally, discontinued products are often in high demand and quickly snapped up by resellers, making it even harder for homeowners to get their hands on them.
How to Determine If Your Laminate Flooring Is Discontinued?
The first step in the search for discontinued laminate flooring is to confirm that your product has indeed been discontinued. You can do this by checking with the manufacturer or doing a quick online search using the product name and manufacturer’s name. If you are still unsure, you can also take a sample of your flooring to your local home improvement store and see if they can identify the product for you.
Conclusion
All in all, knowing how to find discontinued laminate flooring is essential if you want to maintain a consistent look in your home. Though it may be challenging, with some research and patience, it is possible to find replacement pieces for your discontinued flooring.
Remember to always check with the manufacturer or online resources before giving up hope. Alternatively, consider replacing the entire floor with a new product that closely matches the discontinued one for a fresh and updated look. So, don’t panic if you have discontinued laminate flooring in your home, with some effort and determination, you can find a solution that works for you. Keep these tips in mind and happy searching!
